Abstract: The Chico Grange was established in 1932 to give support and create opportunities for the rural and agricultural communities
of Butte County. The collection consists of organizational records for Chico Grange 1932-1993, including minutes, reports,
membership, correspondence, financial, journals, handbooks and scrapbooks.

creator:
Chico Grange.

Arrangement

The Chico Grange records were previously stored in an old freezer, behind the stage, formerly the porch area of the Old Bidwell
Schoolhouse. Grange member Jon Luvaas performed the preliminary arrangement. The materials in each rough series were placed
in a box together. Many of the materials were already in folders and booklets, which were not re-foldered. Records that were
loose or kept in an envelope were re-foldered.

Arranged by Series:

Series 1: Organization, Boxes 1-5

Series 2: Membership/Financial, Boxes 6-7

Series 3: Activities, Boxes 8-10

Series 4: Scrapbooks, Boxes 11-12

Biographical/Historical note

The National Grange or the National Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, founded in 1866 by Oliver Hudson Kelly, has a rich
history in building opportunity and bringing equality for farm and rural communities. It grew out of agricultural discontent
in the Middle West that focused on efforts to battle railroads and grain elevators. Since its inception this fraternal society
has worked toward the educational, social, and economic betterment of agricultural people, as well as for the welfare of all.
The National Grange has had significant influence on local, state, and national legislature, which lead to the passing of
the Granger Laws, as well as the first state and national control of all public utilities. It is a family organization and
brings together men and women of all ages. It was the first American association of any kind to work for equality and justice
for women, and the first to admit women with full membership equal to that of a man. There are five levels of Granges: National,
State, Pomona, Subordinate, and Junior. They all follow the organization, rituals, and programs set forth by the National
Grange.

The Chico Grange, a subordinate of the National Grange, is known as a community service organization, with a mission to promote
healthy local agriculture, environmental stewardship, and a vibrant community. Chico Grange #486 is one of the Granges established
in Butte County. First known as the Shasta Union Grange #486, it was officially recognized on May 31, 1932. In 1937, a name
change was made to Chico Grange #486. The Shasta Union Schoolhouse was the first meeting place of the Grange. When they had
outgrown the schoolhouse, members bought the Sacramento Schoolhouse on Nord and Sacramento avenues in 1937. In 1954 the Chico
Grange bought its current home, the Bidwell Schoolhouse located at the cross roads of Nord and Rodeo Avenues. The Chico Grange
has provided the community with social, cultural and educational opportunities, as well as entertainment, emergency shelter,
and a meeting place. There are special programs for youth, young adults and women. They have been involved in political activism
and have successfully influenced both state and local policy. The Chico Grange has always been heavily involved in community
service. The Women’s Committee regularly raised money for charity organizations by having pie socials, quilt raffles, dinners,
and variety shows. Some of the charities include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Heart Association, American
Lung Association, American Cancer Society, and the March of Dimes. The Relief Committee raised money to help needy families
struggling from the depression. In the early 1930’s there was a great need for agricultural financial assistance, so Chico
Grange members helped to organize the formation of Butte County Federal Credit Union in 1935. In the 1950’s members could
purchase discounted items, such as gasoline, tires, machinery, spray materials, etc. from the Grange Business Organization.

The collection covers the period of time, between 1932 and 1993. The records in this collection were arranged in four series:
organization, membership/financial, activities, and scrapbooks. The organization records consist of National and California
State Grange master’s speech, programs, journals of proceedings, handbooks, and rosters. It includes lecturer’s bulletins,
resolutions, by-laws, constitution, and rituals. It also contains the Chico Grange meeting minutes, reports, correspondence
and local history. The membership and financial records consist of roll books, dues account books, and quarterly reports.
There are also membership applications and cancellations. Samples of loans and payments are also included. The activity records
contain skits, awards, community service programs, and song sheets. A majority of the activity records consist of the Committee
of Women’s Activities and the Women’s Home Economic Club. They include minutes, reports, programs, contests, and financial
records. The assortment of scrapbooks covers the history of the Chico Grange from 1932-1993, and includes information about
officers, members, committees, and important aspects of Grange life. There are also photographs, fair ribbons, and newspaper
clippings.